DLF Seeds Australian research manager Martin Harmer spent four years exploring the nitrogen efficiency benefits of AR37 endophyte and how incorporating it into a pasture system can improve a farmer’s bottom line.
Martin’s research examined the impact of AR37 novel endophyte and its role in increasing nitrogen efficiency on high-performing grasses.
An endophyte is a fungus found naturally in many grass species, including ryegrass. It provides the plant with protection from insects, and in return the plant provides the endophyte with a place to live and reproduce.
With a focus on AR37 (an endophyte known for strong insect control resulting in improved pasture production), Martin uncovered its ability to solve other costly problems farmers face, including expensive fertilisers.
Martin recently published a study looking at how farmers can improve nitrogen use efficiency by using AR37 endophyte.
His paper — Improvement in the nitrogen use efficiency and uptake of perennial ryegrass caused by the Epichole fungal endophyte AR37 — includes a four-year field trial which evaluated the effects AR37 endophyte has on nitrogen efficiency in high performance ryegrass varieties.
The findings demonstrated that pastures inoculated with AR37 endophyte had higher production, leading to better forage yields and higher profitability compared to traditional, non-endophytic varieties.
“For farmers, the variety of perennial ryegrass selected and the endophyte it contains will impact both their farm’s profitability and how well their pasture is able to utilise nitrogen to produce feed,” Martin said.
“Selecting the right ryegrass variety (in this case Base with AR37 endophyte) increases the pasture’s response to nitrogen fertiliser, reducing the amount needed to grow a given amount of feed.
“Ultimately, you’re producing more feed for the same amount of nitrogen.”
The research was conducted at a farm in Australia using a controlled set-up. The grass was subjected to five different nitrogen application rates assessed over 22 harvests.
Yield and nitrogen content were measured and the trial was managed under irrigation to simulate optimal growth conditions.
Martin said the outcome of this study was that the AR37 endophyte is crucial for maximising nitrogen efficiency in perennial ryegrass, resulting in economic gains and environmental positives.
“The pastures will also respond more vigorously in difficult conditions, such as in autumn,” he said.
“Many farmers will be familiar with perennial ryegrass paddocks that appear slow to respond to autumn rains after summer, which can cause an autumn and winter feed deficit.
“By protecting plants from insect pests, AR37 endophyte promotes accelerated growth that’s essential for farmers in difficult times.
“Improving nitrogen efficiency on farms helps increase farmers’ profitability by generating more financial output, while also potentially reducing nitrogen losses.“
DLF Seeds has several AR37 products for farmers to sow for autumn.
Vast AR37 perennial ryegrass provides strong year-round production with excellent pasture growth during summer and autumn, while Base AR37 perennial ryegrass is a high-performance, Australian industry-leading variety with high seasonal production and excellent late quality feed.
For more information, go to: https://www.dlfseeds.com.au
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